Male Infertility in Pakistan: Causes, Natural Remedies and the Path to Parenthood

For many Pakistani couples, the most painful part of trying to conceive isn’t the wait, it’s the silence. Male fertility is still whispered about, even though male factors are a common, treatable piece of the puzzle. If you’ve been wondering, “Is it me?”, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.

Male fertility isn’t a mystery or a verdict on manhood.

It’s biology: sperm take about 70–90 days to develop, and things like sleep, stress, weight, infections, smoking, heat exposure, hormones, and yes, everyday habits can nudge those numbers up or down.

The good news is that many causes are identifiable, and many can improve with simple, evidence-informed steps.

Imagine a clear plan you and your partner can follow: when to get a semen analysis, which labs actually matter, what lifestyle changes move the needle, where natural, Halal/DRAP-compliant supplements may fit, and when to talk to a urologist or consider treatments like varicocele repair, IUI, or IVF/ICSI.

If you feel shy discussing this, we have you covered. In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The most common causes of male infertility in Pakistan (medical, lifestyle, environmental).
• The Tests to request and how to read a semen report in plain language.
• Natural remedies and realistic lifestyle upgrades (diet, sleep, training, stress control).
• When medical treatments make sense, and how long improvements usually take.
• A 90-day step-by-step plan to start today.

Let’s replace worry with a roadmap, and take the first confident step toward parenthood.

Quick Facts About Male Fertility

• What counts as infertility: No pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (6 months if the female partner is 35+).
• Male factor contribution: Male issues are the sole cause in ~20–30% of cases and a contributing factor in ~40–50%.
• First-line test: Semen analysis (volume, count, motility, morphology); simple, low-cost, and repeatable.
• Biology timeline: Sperm take ~70–90 days to develop, so changes show up in 2–3 months.
• Good news: Many cases are treatable or improvable with lifestyle changes, targeted supplements, and medical care (e.g., varicocele treatment).

What Is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is when a man cannot cause a pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. If the female partner is 35 or older, doctors usually evaluate after 6 months.

It is a medical issue where sperm number, movement, shape, hormones, or the tubes that carry sperm are not working well.

Two Types of Male Infertility

When doctors talk about types of male infertility, they are not judging the man or the severity of the problem. They are only describing the couple’s pregnancy history.

In simple terms, there are two types.

• Primary infertility means there has never been a pregnancy with the current partner.
• Secondary infertility means there was a pregnancy before, but it is not happening now.

These labels help guide testing and treatment. They do not define your worth, and many causes can improve with the right care.

The Symptoms of Male Infertility

How Common Is It in Pakistan?

Estimates suggest infertility affects about 1 in 5 couples in Pakistan (around 21–22%). Several Pakistani studies report similar numbers, with most cases being secondary infertility (pregnancy happened before, but not happening now).

But how much is the male factor? Local hospital data and reviews indicate the male partner is the main or a contributing cause in roughly one-third of cases (about 30–35%).

Male Infertility is often under-diagnosed in Pakistan

There are a few common reasons:

1. Stigma and silence: This topic is sensitive. People often blame the woman first, so men do not get tested early.
2. Late testing: Many couples wait a long time before a simple semen analysis, even though it is the easiest first test.
3. Cost and access: Good labs and specialists are not available everywhere, so people delay checkups.
4. Low awareness: Many men do not know that lifestyle, infections, and medicines can affect sperm, and that help is available.

Understanding why this happens starts with knowing the basics. Once you know how male fertility works in the body, you can move from worry to a practical plan.

So How Does Male Fertility Work?

The male reproductive system has an outer, visible part — the penis. During ejaculation, it releases a fluid called semen. Inside this semen are tiny living cells known as sperm.

These sperm are the real “seeds of life,” and without them, pregnancy cannot happen. To understand male fertility, we need to know where these sperms come from, how they are made, and what controls their quality.

Sperms are produced in testicles

Sperms are produced inside the testicles. These are the two oval glands present in the scrotum (the pouch of skin that hangs below the penis).

The testicles are like small factories that keep producing sperm every day.

But making sperm is not instant — it takes about 70 to 90 days for sperm to grow and fully mature before they can be used in reproduction.

That means changes in your lifestyle today (like quitting smoking or improving diet) will show results in sperm quality only after two to three months.

The Signs of “Good Sperm Health”

Doctors usually check Ideal Sperm Quality Numbers when looking at sperm tests. These include:

• Sperm Count: How many sperm are present in the semen. At least 15 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen.
• Total Sperm Count: Around 39 million or more. 
• Motility: How well the sperm move forward, because they must swim a long way to reach the egg.  Ideally more than 32% of sperm should be moving forward actively.
• Shape (morphology): How normal and healthy the sperm look under a microscope. More than 4% of sperm should look normal under strict criteria.
• Vitality (live sperm): ≥ 58% of sperm should be alive.

If the number is low, or the movement and shape are poor, chances of pregnancy go down. But remember: these things can often improve with time, treatment, and lifestyle changes.

Causes of Male Infertility in Pakistan

Male infertility does not usually come from one reason only. Most of the time there are a few reasons.

Some reasons are medical problems inside the body. Some are daily habits. Some are because of gaps in food and vitamins. Some come from the environment where we live and work.

Below, we explain each group in simple words and with common examples from life in Pakistan.

1) Medical causes

Medical causes are health problems inside the body. They change how sperm are made or how they travel out during ejaculation.

Many of these problems are silent. That means you may not feel pain or see a clear sign, but the semen report still becomes weak.

• Varicocele: Varicocele is a swelling of veins around the testicle. Many men do not feel anything. Some feel a heavy or dull ache that gets worse after standing a long time or at the end of the day. Varicoceles can make the testicle warmer than it should be. And heat is bad for sperm quality.
• Infections: Mumps after puberty, urinary infections, or untreated sexually transmitted infections can inflame the testicles. This is called orchitis. After such infections, sperm number and movement can go down. 
• Hormone problems: The brain and testicles talk to each other through hormones. If testosterone is low, or if thyroid or pituitary hormones are not in balance, the body makes fewer or weaker sperm.
• Undescended testicle in childhood: If a testicle did not come down properly when you were a child, sperm making in that side can be weak later in life.
• Genetic reasons: A small number of men are born with changes in their genes or chromosomes. These changes affect how many sperm the body can make.
• Medicines and treatments: Some treatments like chemotherapy for cancer, anabolic steroids used to build muscle, and a few long term drugs affect fertility.

2) Lifestyle causes

Lifestyle causes are daily choices and routines. They do not hurt in one day. They slowly push the numbers down over months and years.

Some of the lifestyle habits which are known to cause infertility in men are.

• Smoking and chewing tobacco: Both lower sperm number and movement. They also increase DNA damage in sperm. Many men notice better reports after they stop for a few months.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs: Regular use can reduce testosterone and disturb the brain signals that control sperm making. Cutting down or stopping helps the body recover.
• Poor sleep and high stress: Less than seven hours of sleep most nights and constant stress reduces hormone balance. Men feel tired and low in drive. Simple habits like a fixed sleep time, short walks, prayer, breathing exercises, and limiting late night screen time can help hormones settle.
• Obesity: Extra body fat changes hormones. Testosterone goes down. Estrogen goes up. That slows sperm making. Even five to ten percent weight loss can improve semen reports in two or three months.
• Heat exposure: Sperm like cool temperatures. Tight hot clothing, keeping a warm laptop on the lap, long hours of driving without breaks, or hot factory work can raise scrotum temperature. Small changes help. Use a table for the laptop, take short standing breaks, and use comfortable underwear.

3) Nutrition and deficiencies

Sperm need building blocks from food. In Pakistan, some vitamins and minerals are often low. When these are corrected, reports can improve.

• Zinc: The body needs zinc to make and mature sperm. Low zinc is common when the diet has little meat, eggs, or legumes. Adding these foods or using a safe supplement after talking to a doctor can help.
• Folate: Folate supports healthy DNA inside sperm. Low folate can show as poor shape or low count. You can get folate from leafy greens, beans, and fortified foods.
• Vitamin D: Many people in Pakistan have low vitamin D because they stay indoors or avoid direct sun. Low vitamin D is linked with weaker movement of sperm in some men. Morning sunlight for short periods and doctor guided supplements can raise levels.
• Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, selenium, and CoQ10 protect sperm from damage by daily stress and pollution. You can get antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Some men also use supplements for a few months after medical advice.

4) Environmental causes

The environment is everything around us. Air, water, and chemicals at work can affect fertility. In many Pakistani cities the air is not clean.

In farming areas there are pesticides. In some factories there are heavy metals and other chemicals.

• Air pollution: In cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad, the air often has a lot of smog. Breathing this air for long periods is linked with weaker semen reports. You cannot change the air, but you can limit outdoor time on very bad days, use a simple mask, and keep indoor air clean when possible.
• Pesticides: Farmers and workers who mix or spray pesticides get more exposure through skin and breath. Pesticides can disturb hormones and lower sperm quality. Simple protection helps. Use gloves, wash hands and clothes after work, and store chemicals safely.
• Heavy metals and factory chemicals: Some jobs have contact with lead, solvents, and other chemicals. Over time these can hurt sperm. Protective gear and regular breaks reduce risk. If you work in such places, tell your doctor during testing.

5) Age and timing

Men stay fertile for longer years than women, but age still matters. Sperm number and quality slowly go down with age. Health problems that are common in later years also affect fertility.

• Later marriages and delays: When couples wait for many years before trying, age plus stress plus work pressure can make things harder.
• Chronic diseases: Diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney and liver disease reduce sperm quality. Good control of these illnesses improves chances.

6) Myths and misconceptions

Wrong ideas increase shame and delay help. It is better to know the truth. Some of the famous Pakistani myths are:

• Normal masturbation does not cause infertility.
• Watching adult content or having sex many times a week does not damage sperm.
• Infertility is not only a woman’s issue. In many couples the man is part of the reason. Many male causes can improve with simple steps and proper care.

When to See a Doctor?

If parts of your story match the causes above, take a breath. Help is available. The next thing that matters is knowing the right moment to seek medical advice.

The goal is simple: do not wait too long, and do not panic too early.

You should see a doctor if:

A) If you’re having trouble getting pregnant

This is about time and age.

• Under 35 (female partner): If you’ve tried for 12 months with regular, unprotected sex and there’s no pregnancy, book a checkup.
• 35 or older (female partner): Don’t wait a year. If there’s no pregnancy after 6 months, get checked.
• Tried before, then stopped, now trying again: If it’s been many months again with no result, it’s okay to test earlier this time.
• Repeat early miscarriages: Even if you conceive, repeated early losses can sometimes involve male factors. Ask for testing.

B) If you feel self-conscious or notice body signs

This is about symptoms and history. You don’t need to wait a full 6–12 months—just get advice.

• Pain, swelling, or a new lump in the testicle (or a heavy, dragging feeling), especially if one side looks bigger.
• Very low sex drive or ongoing erection problems, not just once in a while.
• Past high fever with scrotal pain/swelling, mumps after puberty, or any untreated infection in the private area.
• Past hernia surgery or injury to the groin.
• A testicle that didn’t descend in childhood (with or without surgery).
• Visible “worm-like” veins (possible varicocele)—may be painless, sometimes dull ache.
• Problems with ejaculation: very low semen volume, “dry” orgasm, or burning/strange flow.
• Anabolic steroid cycles or chemotherapy/radiation in the past.
• Long laptop-on-lap, hot factory work, tight hot clothing—plus weak semen reports before.

Once you decide to check, it helps to know which tests to start with and how to prepare (like days of abstinence before a semen test).

The Diagnostic Pathway of Male Infertility in Pakistan

When a couple has trouble conceiving, the best thing is to stop guessing and consulting with a medical professional.

They will guide you, but the path usually looks like this:

1. Talk to a doctor
• Book an appointment with a urologist/andrologist or a fertility clinic.
• Share your history: how long you’ve been trying, any illnesses, surgeries, medicines, smoking/tobacco, alcohol, fevers, mumps, or injuries.
2. Do a semen analysis (first test for men)
• Prepare: keep 2–7 days without ejaculation.
• Give the sample in a reputable lab; deliver within 30–60 minutes if collected at home, keep it warm.
• The report shows count, movement, shape, volume, vitality.
• Repeat after 2–3 months to see the real trend.
3. Basic blood tests (often alongside semen test)
• Testosterone, LH, FSH (hormone signals).
• Prolactin, TSH (can affect drive and quality).
• Vitamin D, HbA1c (common issues here; low D or high sugar can hurt fertility/energy).
4. Doctor’s exam
• Physical exam of testicles and scrotum.
• Checks for varicocele, lumps, tenderness, or signs of infection.
5. Imaging (only if needed)
• Scrotal Doppler to confirm varicocele or check testicle health.
• TRUS (trans-rectal ultrasound) if semen volume is very low or a blockage is suspected.
6. Infection screen (when there are signs)
• If you have burning urine, discharge, fever, scrotal pain, or history of mumps/STIs, you may need urine tests, semen culture, or STI tests.
7. Review and plan
• The doctor reviews history + exam + semen trend + blood tests + scans.
• You get a simple plan: lifestyle changes, doctor-guided supplements, or medical treatment (e.g., fix varicocele, treat infection, adjust hormones).
8. Follow-up
• Make changes for 2–3 months (the sperm cycle), then repeat semen analysis.
• Adjust the plan based on progress.

Treatment Options for Male Infertility (Natural vs Medical Treatments)

After you are done with your tests, your doctor will suggest treatment or lifestyle changes based on your results.

But if you are not ready for a medical treatment yet, do not worry. You can start with safe, simple steps at home while you discuss your reports.

Note: these are not a cure and they do not replace medical care. They are supportive steps that most men in Pakistan can try, Halal/DRAP-compliant products are preferred, and it is always best to speak to your doctor if you have any illness or take regular medicines.

10 Natural remedies and Daily Habits to treat Infertility in Males

Here are 10 easy actions you can start today:

1. Sleep and stress: Aim for 7–9 hours; fix one sleep and one wake time; no screens 30–60 minutes before bed; short walk, prayer, or deep breathing to relax.
2. Move your body daily: Walk 30–45 minutes most days; add light strength work 2–3 days a week (push-ups, squats, bands).
3. If overweight, lose a little: Target 5–10% weight loss in 3 months; even small loss helps sperm and hormones.
4. Eat for sperm health: Each meal = protein (egg/chicken/fish/daal) + veg/salad + moderate roti/rice.
5. Nuts and seeds routine: A small handful of walnuts/almonds plus pumpkin or flax seeds 4–5 days a week.
6. Fruits, oils, and water: 1–2 fruits daily; cook with clean oil (no re-used frying oil); drink 2–2.5 L water a day.
7. Cut what harms sperm: Quit smoking/chew; avoid alcohol/drugs; stop anabolic steroids.
8. Protect from heat: Keep laptop off lap; choose loose, breathable underwear; take breaks in hot jobs or long driving.
9. Vitamins and minerals (doctor-guided): Zinc, folate, vitamin D, plus antioxidants (C/E/selenium/CoQ10) for 90 days, then retest.
10. General health and timing: Treat infections; control diabetes and blood pressure; have sex every 2–3 days around mid-cycle; avoid “spermicide” lubricants.

These help your body make better sperm, balance hormones, and reduce stress. Stay steady for about 90 days (one full sperm cycle), then repeat your semen test and compare.

Medical Treatments (your doctor will guide you)

If tests show a clear medical cause, treatment can help faster. Your doctor will choose what fits your case:

• Varicocele treatment: fixing swollen veins (surgery or minor procedure) to improve sperm quality.
• Treat infections: antibiotics for urine, prostate, or STI infections.
• Hormone help: if hormones are out of balance, your doctor may treat thyroid, prolactin, or male hormone problems.
• Erection/ejaculation problems: medicines or therapy to improve erections or flow of semen.
• Assisted reproduction: in some couples, IUI, IVF, or ICSI may be advised especially when time, age, or low counts make natural chances small.

Faqs About Male Fertility In Pakistan

What Is The Male Infertility Rate In Pakistan?

In Pakistan roughly 1 in 5 couples face infertility. And in almost 35-40% of the cases, the male factor is responsible for the cause.

Which Medicine Is Best For Male Fertility In Pakistan?

There’s no single best pill and the treatment depends on the cause; supplements can support, not replace, doctor care.

Can A Male Be 100% Infertile?

Yes, but it’s rare. Some men make no sperm, but many low/zero counts are treatable or can use assisted methods (e.g., ICSI).

How To Boost Sperm In 3 Days?

You can’t rebuild sperm that fast (they need 70–90 days). Short term: 2–3 days abstinence, avoid heat, sleep well; start a 90-day plan for real change.

Your Next Step in the Male Infertility Journey in Pakistan

Male infertility does not mean the end of hope. It only means you need the right plan. Many men in Pakistan improve with small, steady changes and the right guidance.

Start with just one habit:

• Sleep better
• Eat cleaner
• Quit tobacco

Then give your body 90 days to respond. After that, do another test, compare the results, and keep moving forward.

At Remedial Nexus, we’re here to make this journey easier. Our doctor helpline/WhatsApp is open if you need clear answers or full treatment support.

To help you stay on track, we also provide a free 90-day checklist with daily habits, semen test prep, and a simple results tracker. (Send us an email, and we’ll send it to you right away.)

Contact us today and let’s talk about it!